“I Was Just In Brussels, This Is Exactly What To Eat While You’re There”
Let’s be honest, Brussels isn’t exactly the first place you think of when you envision an idyllic weekend away in Europe. But when I found myself with a long weekend and no plans, it seemed like the closest destination to visit that didn’t require too much planning and wasn’t hugely expensive. And turns out, Brussels is a pretty fabulous spot to visit if your agenda largely consists of finding the best spots for frites, beer, mussels and chocolates.
As someone who is always on the hunt for the next big foodie travel spot, I would go so far as to say that Brussels is definitely one of Europe’s most underrated cities. Here are my recommendations of where to eat and drink, and of course, shop for those famous Belgian chocolates (that I am still savouring two weeks after my return – I bought a few boxes).
Grimbergen Cafe
Best for: Mussels & frites
With a spacious terrace outside, Grimbergen Cafe is located in the heart of Brussels city centre, and was my favourite spot for classic frites. So good that I had to go twice just for those crispy chips fried in beef oil – I had frites with almost every meal, but these ones were the best. So good, I went back twice. It’s worth noting that they don’t accept VISA cards, so you’ll need to have cash handy.
Maison Dandoy
Best for: Belgium or Liege waffles
Yes, I am aware – so touristy. But still, so good. You’ll find long lines outside most Maison Dandoy outlets in the city if you go on the weekend. I landed up on a Tuesday afternoon and there was more than enough space and no queue, so the best tip I can share is to go on a weekday. The Liege waffles are my favourite (they’re smaller, crisper and sweeter than the Belgian ones). I love the fruity waffles – I got mine with cooked strawberries and whipped cream, which really is an unbeatable combination.
The BeerLab Rooftop
Best for: Beer on the roof
For al fresco beer drinking on the roof, this is the place to go. The BeerLab Rooftop serves 150 beers, all from authentic Belgian breweries. I am a very tame beer drinker, so I stuck with the fruitiest choices possible (you might notice a trend here…). I was very happy with my Chouffe Cherry, that’s got notes of strawberry, almond, spices and sweet Port. A very nice, gentle, beginner’s drink if you ask me.
The BeerLab Rooftop serves 150 beers, all from authentic Belgian breweries.
Elisabeth
Best for: Belgian chocolates & sweets
There are so many chocolate shops in Brussels that it’s hard to know which one to go to. I went to a few of them, and I liked the ones from Elisabeth the best. You can get artisanal melocakes (a crispy biscuit topped with a cloud of marshmallow and covered in milk chocolate), classic truffles, pralines, and a very interesting sweet called cuberdons that have a crispy exterior and a soft raspberry coulis inside.
Woodpecker 47
Best for: Savoury waffles
Located a stone’s throw away from the Grand Palace, Woodpecker 47 offers all-day brunch – ideal for when you’re craving waffles at 2pm. I didn’t think I would like a savoury waffle, but this place changed my mind. The speciality here is the “psycho sauce” that’s basically a tomato-infused, spicy hollandaise. The popular choice here is the Peck Special, with chorizo, goat cheese, poached eggs and crispy bacon. For veggies, don’t even think twice about the magic mushroom one – a homemade leek waffle topped with homemade truffle cream, roasted mushrooms, two poached eggs and dripping in psycho sauce.
‘t kelderke
Best for: Traditional Belgian cuisine (with a view)
A table at ’t Kelderke gives you front-row views of the Grand Palace – a view that is really hard to get tired of. Inside, you dine in an ancient 17th-century vault that houses an open kitchen. On the menu, you can find classic local Belgian dishes like shrimp or cheese croquettes, boulettes à la marolienne (meatballs in tomato sauce), lapin à la gueuze (stewed rabbit in Gueuze lambic beer), and of course, moules (mussels) the way you like it – with white wine, creamy garlic or even a beer preparation. If there’s room for dessert, go for the waffle, chantilly cream and hot chocolate.
A table at ’t Kelderke gives you front-row views of the Grand Palace.
L’Écailler du Palais Royal
Best for: Very fancy seafood
Located in the heart of a picturesque antique dealers’ district, this is the place to go for a fine-dining meal. The restaurant is quite the hotspot for everyone from celebrities to members of the Belgian royal family. The interiors are stunning – turquoise tiles decorate the bar, colourful carpets line the floor, and on your plate, traditional fare, elevated.
Signature dishes include Dover sole from the coasts of Belgium, which can be grilled or served meunière style, a method that involves dredging the fish in flour and then pan-frying it in butter, lemon juice, and parsley. For entrées, the blue fish from France, served with caviar and candied tomatoes, should be your go-to choice.
Commes Chez Soi
Best for: Neighbourhood vibes with a Michelin star
Commes Chez Soi has been around since 1926 and is a much-loved spot that began as a humble local serving authentic, homemade cuisine. Today, it’s a fine-dining restaurant that still retains that history. The restaurant serves five to seven-course menus that can take you from pan-fried white halibut with lacquered eggplant to a spicy, sliced duck with wasabi and quince vinegar.
